Gary Richied: A Twisted History of the United States

Much of what we’ve been taught about US history is a lie. Historian Gary Richied, author of the new book “A Twisted History of the United States, 1450-1945,” believes this is the case. In his book, Gary presents his subject in an accessible and entertaining way—such as when he tweets about current events from the point of view of George Washington—while never dumbing it down. Considering most Americans can’t locate Thailand on a map, and many Texans think their home state is a country, we need all the help we can get. 

 

It is in our nature to be curious about and ascribe meaning to past events. Yet, even "students" of history, Gary explains, often simply absorb what their textbooks and teachers tell them. For example, many textbooks focus on the wrong aspect of the Zoot Suit riots in the early 20th century, if they mention them at all. Listen in as Gary takes The Bart Show listeners through a parallel history of U.S. participation in World War II, which looks very different from the portrayal in movies. Gary suggests that we question our understanding of WWII and ask questions like, "What were our true objectives? Did the U.S. actually win?" While we're at it, what major events did we know about but purposely ignore? Was Roosevelt merely picking a fight? What was Churchill really saying in his famous Iron Curtain speech that continues to be misinterpreted?

 

By the end of this episode, you may find yourself questioning everything you thought you knew. There’s also a rather colorful quote from Dizzy Gillespie which gives insight into Black Americans’ true feelings about fighting on behalf of America in WWII. Gary explains why America’s scores-long love affair with Abraham Lincoln needs to end and the best way to get out of jury duty. 

 

You won’t want to miss an eye-opening conversation that will challenge your preconceived notions and inspire a deeper exploration of the complex tapestry that is American history.

Quotes

• “To be a historian is to be engaged in a perpetual argument and engagement with the sources.” (3:18-3:24 | Gary)
• “Generally traveling the world, most Americans can't point out Thailand or Ukraine on a map for a relevant conversation.” (4:22-4:46 | Bart) 
• “There’s this famous George Santayana line that goes, ‘Those who are unaware or ignorant of history are condemned to repeat it.’ That gets a little too cliched or played up. I think it's more so that history deep down is naturally human…if history in the Greek etymology simply means ‘knowledge,’ then in engaging in it, we're simply wondering about the world around us.” (5:09-5:48 | Gary)
• “‘Zoot Suit riot’ has never crossed my mouth.” (7:32-7:34 | Bart)

 

Links

Connect with Gary Richied:

Website: https://hoth2ohistory.com/

Twitter @garyrichied

Facebook: https://facebook.com/gary.richied

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Twisted-History-United-States-1450-1945/dp/B0B475C9P4/

Learn more and subscribe to the Bart Show Fan Newsletter at https://thebartshow.com 

 

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